Dr. Uma Naidoo: How Food Shapes Our Mental Health
When I realized the power of interpreting back scientific information to a patient, even in simple terms such as: this is how much sugar you're taking in, this is how many teaspoons and this is how many grams of sugar, and that's what it means- it became very powerful because he could understand it.
What if the food on your plate could influence your mental well-being? Dr. Uma Naidoo, a pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, believes it can. In this episode of 'Charged: Stories from the Women Leading Health Care', Dr. Naidoo takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of food and mental health. From her early passion for cooking to her groundbreaking work in nutritional psychiatry, Dr. Naidoo shares how diet can play a crucial role in mental health care.
She dives into the gut-brain connection, explaining how what we eat can affect our mood and overall mental state. Ever wondered why processed foods might be contributing to mental health issues? Dr. Naidoo breaks it down and offers insights into how adopting diets like the Mediterranean diet can benefit your mental well-being. But it's not just about food choices; Dr. Naidoo also talks about the importance of mind-body awareness, gratitude, and mindfulness in maintaining mental health.
She dispels common misconceptions about food and health and stresses the need for reliable sources of health information. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of diet and mental health. Whether you're looking to improve your own well-being or support someone else, Dr. Naidoo's insights offer valuable guidance.